Brosnan has been given 10 days to respond to the notice issued to him by the health department earlier this week. — AFP picNEW DELHI, Feb 14 — The Delhi government has slapped a show-cause notice on Hollywood actor Pierce Brosnan over his appearance in an Indian pan masala (a popular tobacco product) advertisement, reported China’s Xinua news agency.

“It may be noted that Pierce Brosnan who is promoting the brand in media, TV channel, vendors and others if any have also become party to this violation and are likely to be punished as per COTPA (Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act), 2003,” read the notice.

“Areca nut (supari) in pan masala has cancer causing agent which has been scientifically proven and Brosnan, an actor who is a role model for lakhs of people especially youngsters, should not indulge in promotion of such hazardous products,” the notice added

Under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act, all forms of advertisements of tobacco products are banned in India.

A senior official said today that the 63-year-old Irish-origin actor, who featured in a number of James Bond movies, has been given 10 days to respond to the notice issued to him by the health department earlier this week. The Hollywood actor has yet to react to the notice. — Bernama